Page 28 - Delaware Lawyer - Spring 2023

FEATURE | VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
community; they found advocacy work to be both rewarding and valu- able. The dedication and empathy of the volunteers contributes to the program’s success.
The COVID pandemic gravely affected both domestic violence sur- vivors and domestic violence services programs. Survivors had an increased risk of harm due, in part, to the isolation and added stressors expe- rienced by all and evidenced by the increase in national domestic violence homicide rates. Domestic violence programs saw an increase in requests for ser vices like shelter and counsel- ing. But DVAP bore an additional COVID-related loss. Understand- ably, many of DVAP’s long-time volunteers took their leave from advocacy work out of concern for their physical health. DVAP appreci-
The dedication and empathy of volunteers contributes to the program's success.
ates those volunteers who have stayed through the pandemic and addition- al support provided by the strong internship programs forged with local colleges and universities.
DVAP is eager to rebuild a strong volunteer base. Prior training and experience are not required for any- one looking to become a volunteer advocate. Hands-on training and shadowing are provided by staff and more seasoned advocates, resulting in new advocates becoming immediate
contributors to the DVAP team. Potential volunteers should have an eagerness to listen to survivors, provide them with information so that they can make the best decisions for themselves and their family, and protect the survivor’s confidentiality. All other knowledge will be gained by hands-on experience and super vision.
To learn more about becoming a domestic violence advocate or volun- teer attorney, please contact Savannah Bauman at sbauman@childinc.com.
26 DELAWARE LAWYER SPRING 2023